Bronsin Goes To The Toyota Dealer To See What Sup Wit Dat

[nookandcrannycar]

^^^^^ I've also noticed that some dealerships have pages/fields set up where you can submit an online offer on a new car listed in inventory.

[fnkngrv]

Originally Posted by edmscan

sorry Sedans you are also just too plain looking to make the grade.

Clean slate is one way to look at it. There are some pretty slick/sic looking sedans out there. A primary example is lowering the car. If you think that the LB looked better lowered then take a solid look at the sedan...makes it a totally different look.

[tk1971]

Originally Posted by edmscan

snip...

But I don't know if I would want a stripped down car .. as I believe my friend with a Prius C paid around 31k, but I think that was pretty much fully loaded.

snip...

Got my wife's Prius C (one = base) for $19,935 + Tax + License = $22,017 + change OTD. That was MSRP too. Since the car is so "Hot", I don't have any real evidence that people are paying under MSRP sticker now.

At $31k, I'd rather buy the Lexus hybrid, which I paid $31,150 + Tax + License = $34,282 OTD for a CT200h Premium. I've read people paying ~$29k OTD for the base CT200h (with $1k college grad / military discount).

Having both, I can honestly say that without a doubt, a base CT200h is much more comfortable/desirable than any trim of Prius C. With 2 fill-ups each, both my wife and I get practically the same MPG, ~46 - 47.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by tk1971

Got my wife's Prius C (one = base) for $19,935 + Tax + License = $22,017 + change OTD. That was MSRP too. Since the car is so "Hot", I don't have any real evidence that people are paying under MSRP sticker now.

At $31k, I'd rather buy the Lexus hybrid, which I paid $31,150 + Tax + License = $34,282 OTD for a CT200h Premium. I've read people paying ~$29k OTD for the base CT200h (with $1k college grad / military discount).

Having both, I can honestly say that without a doubt, a base CT200h is much more comfortable/desirable than any trim of Prius C. With 2 fill-ups each, both my wife and I get practically the same MPG, ~46 - 47.

I'm sure there are enough differences to justify the price difference between your two cars, but some people don't think those differences are valuable. I can see where you would because you have kids. I rarely drive more than one other person around. Re driving with four people or more, I can see wanting the extra room. My aunt has a non-hybrid RX and we drove about 2,000 miles on a vacation with 2 other people. She had me do all the driving and it did make the trip more comfortable to have the room that vehicle affords the occupants.

[david_827]

Originally Posted by fnkngrv

Clean slate is one way to look at it. There are some pretty slick/sic looking sedans out there. A primary example is lowering the car. If you think that the LB looked better lowered then take a solid look at the sedan...makes it a totally different look.

+1

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

My aunt has a non-hybrid RX and we drove about 2,000 miles on a vacation with 2 other people. She had me do all the driving and it did make the trip more comfortable to have the room that vehicle affords the occupants.

Ha! I drove my Yaris NJ to Ak last summer 10,400 miles in 17 days. St Paul MN to NJ 1400 miles in ~18 hours.

I was perfectly comfortable. Having no hood to look over added greatly to the drivability.

[tooter]

Originally Posted by fnkngrv

Clean slate is one way to look at it. There are some pretty slick/sic looking sedans out there. A primary example is lowering the car. If you think that the LB looked better lowered then take a solid look at the sedan...makes it a totally different look.

Even though I'm not a big fan of lowered cars, the sedans do look really good when they're lowered with nice wheels.

[b20vteg]

Originally Posted by tooter

Even though I'm not a big fan of lowered cars, the sedans do look really good when they're lowered with nice wheels.

just curious, how come?

[bentjazz]

I like the appearance of the 2012 Yaris, myself. I really haven't seen the interior in person, but I like the aesthetics of the exterior, for sure. Be that as it may, I'll be driving my 2010 Yaris until it croaks.
I don't know how I feel about all these hybrids. The thing I really like about my Yaris is it's minimalist orientation, so I don't need luxury, nor do I want high end goodies. Basic transportation is all I need, combined with reliability and decent fuel economy. The Yaris is perfect for my needs. As such, I'd personally be very reticent about spending big bucks on a hybrid vehicle that will need battery replacement down the road. No thanks. But for those who do want hybrids and who do see their value, more power to you.....

[tk1971]

Originally Posted by bentjazz

I like the appearance of the 2012 Yaris, myself. I really haven't seen the interior in person, but I like the aesthetics of the exterior, for sure. Be that as it may, I'll be driving my 2010 Yaris until it croaks.
I don't know how I feel about all these hybrids. The thing I really like about my Yaris is it's minimalist orientation, so I don't need luxury, nor do I want high end goodies. Basic transportation is all I need, combined with reliability and decent fuel economy. The Yaris is perfect for my needs. As such, I'd personally be very reticent about spending big bucks on a hybrid vehicle that will need battery replacement down the road. No thanks. But for those who do want hybrids and who do see their value, more power to you.....

From the information you've given, the Yaris is a perfect fit for your needs.

You do realize that a well-maintained 2010 Yaris can last you 15 to 20 years depending on how many miles you drive?

Can you stand it THAT long w/o buying a new car? A lot can happen in 15 years.

I thought I'd be driving my 08 LB until my boys hit high school, then I'd teach each of them how to drive stick with it. But alas, I got stuck in really bad traffic (back to school traffic) and my hip gave out for a weekend (that's my excuse.. err, story anyway). Time to give up the clutch for a day-to-day commuter.

After driving it for a while, I find the Prius C very Yaris-like. Size, comfort, feel... all very comparable. Aside from the tail lights, I think they look fairly similar too.

Still, the Prius C has a digital speedometer and a nice TFT display with enough feedback to help the driver maintain efficient driving habits. It's very clever.

As for the battery, there are 1st Gen Prius' out there approaching 15 years and many hundreds of thousands of miles. There are even YouTube videos on how to track down individual bad cells on the battery pack for replacement. IMO, I think the technology is pretty well vetted now.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Ha! I drove my Yaris NJ to Ak last summer 10,400 miles in 17 days. St Paul MN to NJ 1400 miles in ~18 hours.

I was perfectly comfortable. Having no hood to look over added greatly to the drivability.

You are preaching to the choir. I agree with you 100%. I love driving around in a small car (my Yaris, and before that my Swift) by myself on long trips. I had traveled to just under 30 states before getting my Swift and (since then) In my Swift or Yaris I've driven to all 'lower 48' U.S. states (not AK, you lucky devil!) and every province (haven't made it to any Territories) in Canada. I've been VERY comfortable on EVERY trip, and the Swift was smaller than the Yaris -- Swift = great all across Canada. The point I was trying to make in my reply to tk1971 (and I obviously didn't make it very well) was that each person's different needs, how important (for whatever reason) extracting dollar value from their car an environmental value from same is, plus their current personal relationship circumstances, are going to effect what they want in a car, and what they think is a waste of money and what isn't.

If a guy is in a long term relationship or is married he has to respect the attitude of his wife or girlfriend re cars (among many other things, of course). Her attitude might TRULY be (re cars) for him to 'do what you want' and that may fit their circumstances and lifestyle perfectly and he can act as if single re buying a car..and both of them can be extremely content and happy with this approach. A different woman might want them to make the decision together and even bring the kids (if they have kids) in on the decision (a LITTLE bit) if all of them are going to be riding around in the car together. In this latter example, her content husband's wants and values (re a car) will mesh with hers and hers will mesh with his. I'm GUESSING that tk1971 MIGHT be close to the latter example. I think the CT200h is a waste of money, from my perspective as a car to own -- for me (and I can afford a CT200h). When spending money I seek to extract the maximum amount of value per dollar I'm spending -- by how I define value. The points of value that the extra 12k that the CT200h cost over the Prius C one are 90+% a waste of money in my book. I put this percentage at less than 100 because I would, if I chose a Prius C, get the Two instead of the One that tk1971 bought. The Two adds the 60/40 folding seat, the Tonneau cover for behind the rear seats (to shield from prying eyes looking into the hatch), and Cruise Control. The Tonneau cover and the Cruise Control would be cheaper as aftermarket choices, but I don't think it would be realistic to try to do the 60/40 seat aftermarket in a cost effective manner.

As I stated, most of the points of value for the extra 12k the CT200h cost tk1971 over the Prius One are a waste of money in my book....but that is the point -- in MY book. My value parameters projected onto his situation would probably = the Yaris + Prius C situation he used to have. He (tk1971) has a different perspective re the CT200h for his particular use and value parameters and our different perspectives are of equal value.

I will probably eventually replace my Yaris with a Yaris like Tooter's (except a 2013 or 2014), but I REALLY like the system in the Prius C that suggests how to drive to increase MPG. It is probably only item that is even remotely 'nanny state-like' that I would actually welcome.

...and one of the best things about the Yaris is not having to look over a hood!

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by tk1971

From the information you've given, the Yaris is a perfect fit for your needs.

You do realize that a well-maintained 2010 Yaris can last you 15 to 20 years depending on how many miles you drive?

Can you stand it THAT long w/o buying a new car? A lot can happen in 15 years.

I thought I'd be driving my 08 LB until my boys hit high school, then I'd teach each of them how to drive stick with it. But alas, I got stuck in really bad traffic (back to school traffic) and my hip gave out for a weekend (that's my excuse.. err, story anyway). Time to give up the clutch for a day-to-day commuter.

After driving it for a while, I find the Prius C very Yaris-like. Size, comfort, feel... all very comparable. Aside from the tail lights, I think they look fairly similar too.

Still, the Prius C has a digital speedometer and a nice TFT display with enough feedback to help the driver maintain efficient driving habits. It's very clever.

As for the battery, there are 1st Gen Prius' out there approaching 15 years and many hundreds of thousands of miles. There are even YouTube videos on how to track down individual bad cells on the battery pack for replacement. IMO, I think the technology is pretty well vetted now.

I didn't see this post until after posting my previous post. This post makes some of my previous post moot.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by tk1971

From the information you've given, the Yaris is a perfect fit for your needs.

You do realize that a well-maintained 2010 Yaris can last you 15 to 20 years depending on how many miles you drive?

Can you stand it THAT long w/o buying a new car? A lot can happen in 15 years.

I thought I'd be driving my 08 LB until my boys hit high school, then I'd teach each of them how to drive stick with it. But alas, I got stuck in really bad traffic (back to school traffic) and my hip gave out for a weekend (that's my excuse.. err, story anyway). Time to give up the clutch for a day-to-day commuter.

After driving it for a while, I find the Prius C very Yaris-like. Size, comfort, feel... all very comparable. Aside from the tail lights, I think they look fairly similar too.

Still, the Prius C has a digital speedometer and a nice TFT display with enough feedback to help the driver maintain efficient driving habits. It's very clever.

As for the battery, there are 1st Gen Prius' out there approaching 15 years and many hundreds of thousands of miles. There are even YouTube videos on how to track down individual bad cells on the battery pack for replacement. IMO, I think the technology is pretty well vetted now.

.........feedback to help the driver maintain efficient driving habits....I like how you put that. If I replace my Yaris with a Prius C rather than another Yaris, it will be for that reason.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by bentjazz

I like the appearance of the 2012 Yaris, myself. I really haven't seen the interior in person, but I like the aesthetics of the exterior, for sure. Be that as it may, I'll be driving my 2010 Yaris until it croaks.
I don't know how I feel about all these hybrids. The thing I really like about my Yaris is it's minimalist orientation, so I don't need luxury, nor do I want high end goodies. Basic transportation is all I need, combined with reliability and decent fuel economy. The Yaris is perfect for my needs. As such, I'd personally be very reticent about spending big bucks on a hybrid vehicle that will need battery replacement down the road. No thanks. But for those who do want hybrids and who do see their value, more power to you.....

My orientation re cars (and most other things -- houses, clothes, etc.) is minimalist like yours...but I do love gadgets...especially ones that INCREASE future value during use...and that 'driving for max MPG prompting' is enticing. I wish that feature and a hybrid engine and drivetrain could just magically appear in my current fairly spartan Yaris.

[edmscan]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

.........feedback to help the driver maintain efficient driving habits....I like how you put that. If I replace my Yaris with a Prius C rather than another Yaris, it will be for that reason.

The "economy screens" as I call them in the Prius C are really pretty cool and give you probably way more information than you really need. In fact I kinda see it like my ScanGauge .. as I have to concentrate at looking at the road and not look at the ScanGauge (I know my bad .. ). But as a passenger .. they are really pretty neat.

The only thing on the Prius C I don't care too much for .. are the lights in the back, but I know why they did it. It is exactly like a Hyundai that I saw today .. the lights are up higher so that they are "in your face" much more than the lights would be if they were lower down and if it prevents accidents then they have done their job, no matter how ugly they may be.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by edmscan

The "economy screens" as I call them in the Prius C are really pretty cool and give you probably way more information than you really need. In fact I kinda see it like my ScanGauge .. as I have to concentrate at looking at the road and not look at the ScanGauge (I know my bad .. ). But as a passenger .. they are really pretty neat.

The only thing on the Prius C I don't care too much for .. are the lights in the back, but I know why they did it. It is exactly like a Hyundai that I saw today .. the lights are up higher so that they are "in your face" much more than the lights would be if they were lower down and if it prevents accidents then they have done their job, no matter how ugly they may be.

Which (do you think) overall (day in and day out) would be a combination of easiest to use and extracting the most re MPG increase ---- your ScanGauge'd Yaris (if it=an automatic to make it more like the Prius C) or an "economy screen'd" Prius C?

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

I'm sure there are enough differences to justify the price difference between your two cars, but some people don't think those differences are valuable. I can see where you would because you have kids. I rarely drive more than one other person around. Re driving with four people or more, I can see wanting the extra room. My aunt has a non-hybrid RX and we drove about 2,000 miles on a vacation with 2 other people. She had me do all the driving and it did make the trip more comfortable to have the room that vehicle affords the occupants.

That vacation was a rare time with more than two people in the car. My aunt and uncle used to have a Lexus ES sedan and an Acura TSX. They would always take the ES on their many long driving trips. It would fit enough clothes and golf equipment. Then they traded the Acura TSX in for the Lexus RX SUV. Now they always take the RX on their trips. Do 2 people need an RX to be comfortable on a trip...of course not...but it is what makes them comfortable.....and my aunt can bring more clothes.....and I remembered to use italics instead of caps.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by edmscan

The "economy screens" as I call them in the Prius C are really pretty cool and give you probably way more information than you really need. In fact I kinda see it like my ScanGauge .. as I have to concentrate at looking at the road and not look at the ScanGauge (I know my bad .. ). But as a passenger .. they are really pretty neat.

The only thing on the Prius C I don't care too much for .. are the lights in the back, but I know why they did it. It is exactly like a Hyundai that I saw today .. the lights are up higher so that they are "in your face" much more than the lights would be if they were lower down and if it prevents accidents then they have done their job, no matter how ugly they may be.

I've never seen the Prius C "economy screens" in practice on the road (in person). I've only seen the related videos the Hershey has posted links to.